Mouse Interferon-Beta
Introduction
Mouse IFN-ß (Interferon-beta), also known as Fibroblast IFN, is a cytokine part of the type 1 interferon family that plays a major role in the innate immune response. IFN-ß and its family of type 1 interferons are released early in the innate immune response as part of the first line of defense. IFN-ß will bind to the IFNα/ß receptor to activate genes encoded for various immunomodulatory molecules via the JAK-STAT pathway. It is also involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, cell growth, and apoptosis. IFN-ß is produced by fibroblasts, dendritic cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Given its robust ability to modulate the immune response, IFN-ß is widely used as a treatment for autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Assay Overview
The workflow for the Pu•MA System cytokine immunoassay is shown in the figure below. All assay reagents are prepared in advance and then loaded into Pu•MA System flowchips using single or 8-channel pipettes. The wells are conveniently located on standard 384 multiwell plate spacings. The flowchips are now ready to be loaded into the Pu•MA System for “hands-off” processing. The ELISA steps are automatically performed by the system using pre-loaded protocols. Once the assay is complete, absorbance results are read on your Plate Reader.
- Low-volume assays (10-20 μl)
- Simple “hands-off” operation
- Open platform – no expensive plates
Assay Procedure
The adaption of existing ELISA kits and/or antibody pairs is straightforward with the Pu•MA System. Assay buffers optimized for the Pu•MA System flowchips are provided for sample and antibody dilutions. Blocking solutions and wash buffers are also provided. The IFN-ß assays are adapted from PBL Assay Science reagents (p/n 22400-1, 32400-1) and Abcam reagent (p/n ab205718).
Assay reagents were prepared according to the dilutions shown in the Table using Pu•MA Assay Buffer (PAB). IFN-ß standards were reconstituted according to instruction provided by PBL Assay Science. A 1:2 serial dilution series of Mouse IFN-ß Standard was prepared starting at 100 pg/well using PAB. 20 μl of each reagent was added to the appropriate wells (see Fig 3) except for the Stop Solution where 10 μl was dispensed. Four replicates were run per concentration. The flowchips were loaded into a Pu•MA System and processed using the IFN-ß Assay Protocol. Plates were read within 5 min of completion on an absorbance plate reader at 450nm (Tecan Spectrafluor Plus).
Pu•MA System Mouse IFN-β Standard Curve
How It Works
The Pu•MA Flowchip and System uses established antibody pairs to perform an automated ELISA. All assay reagents are loaded into reservoirs and then moved one at a time through the “Assay Channel” by the Pu•MA System. Preloaded protocols execute all fluid transfer and incubation steps The system incorporates patented valve-less fluidic switching (VLFS) to precisely control fluid movement in a flowchip. Use of microfluidics reduces both incubation times and reagent volumes.
| Name | Reagent | Source |
| Capture Ab | Mouse IFN-β Antibody (20 μg/ml) |
BL |
| Block | Pu•MA Blocking Buffer | PFI |
| Sample | Mouse IFN-β Standard | PBL |
| 1°Ab | Mouse IFN-β Primary Antibody (0.5 μg/ml) |
PBL |
| 2°Ab | IgG-HRP (0.13 μg/ml) | AB |
| Wash | Pu•MA Wash Buffer | PFI |
| Substrate | FAST Substrate | PFI |
| Stop | Pu•MA Stop Solution | PFI |
Microfluidic Assay Workflow
Pu•MA System
- Compact benchtop system
- Easy top-loading of flowchips
- Precision pneumatic control
Software
- Touchscreen-driven interface
- Preloaded assay protocols
- Simple Select and Run operation
Reagents & Flowchips
- Validated immunoassays
- Open platform for existing Ab pairs
- Works with standard pipettors & tips